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If anyone could be called the party king of the college, it was James Bond, the former drama student. No one exactly knew what he studied currently, but everyone was aware of his party appearances which was well-documented on his different social media platforms. People would have liked to bear his friendship or even more, but aside from making an incredible number of acquaintances, Bond surprisingly kept to himself. No one could really get close to him, under the facade of the flirty behaviour, no matter how hard they tried - except for one person who somehow found his way into Bond's heart.
That night, James Bond was on his way to the nearby pub. He had a few tests during the week and he decided to finally take a break - and celebrate the upcoming result in advance. The pub was already full when he stepped inside, but he knew well how easy it will be for him to join a company. A flirtatious smile appeared on his face, his eyes cheerfully shone up and he was ready to walk to the group in the corner who seemed to be having fun, when a sudden sentence hit his ears.
"I am sorry, Charles, but you are sitting at my table."
Bond turned around when he heard the soft voice. It belonged to a brown-haired man with dreamy, green eyes and a wine glass in his hand - the student council member, Albert James Moriarty. Of course Bond heard the gossip that he was basically living in this pub and he probably didn't lie that the table in question was his hangout. But the man with the curly, silver hair didn't seem to care. Not like the infamous editor-in-chief of the college newspaper, Charles Augustus Milverton ever cared about anything which was not profitable for him.
Bond remained near and watched the scene. It screamed trouble - and he was fond of it.
"You are right. This is your table." Milverton agreed with a wide smile and he provocatively raised his glass towards Albert. "But now I am the one who is sitting at it. You see, I was here first. That's how it works in pubs, or so I heard."
Bond waited for how Albert will react to this. The student council member didn't seem to get annoyed, the soft expression was still on his face when he replied.
"I assume that this is your childish revenge for not giving you what you wanted the last time."
Milverton shook his head and after drinking a sip from his own glass, he let out a laugh.
"No, it is only my entertainment. My revenge will be even more painful, right, Ruskin?" He winked at the other man who was in front of him and who watched the conversation, ready to take action if his master or boyfriend - whatever the two's relationship really was - orders him so. Among the college students, Ruskin was referred to as Milverton's puppy who wagged his tail even if his master just spoke to him. No one understood Ruskin's obsession with Milverton, not even the wannabe detective Sherlock Holmes found the answer for this mystery. For some reason, Ruskin was in love with Milverton and Milverton got use out of this, just like Ruskin, who was allowed to be on the worshipped person's side for all his free time. To the question, Ruskin started vehemently nodding.
"As you say, Charles. He will regret making you angry."
Milverton turned back to Albert and his eyes maliciously shone up.
"See? And now, get lost. This is my table."
Bond had no idea what got into him all of a sudden, but he felt the urge to act. To do something in Albert's case and get the table back for him. But what? Due to his incredible problem solving skills, he quickly got an idea. With a flirty wink, he took away a half-empty beer glass from another table - he was immediately forgiven for that - and he stepped closer to the sitting Milverton, tactically spilling the beer onto his fancy shirt.
"I am sorry." He noted and let out a chuckle. "Or I am rather not."
Milverton stared at him with growing anger in his snake-like gaze and clenched his fists. But it was Ruskin who jumped up first and furiously shouted at Bond.
"How dare you?!"
Bond didn't get scared of him. He was aware that the pub somewhat silenced and the people started paying attention to them, excited to see what he would do. A smile appeared on Bond's face and he playfully winked at Ruskin.
"I simply just dared. But if I were in your place, I wouldn't waste my time talking. That shirt looks expensive. I would wash it out..." his smile widened. "Before it's too late."
He saw that what he said quickly rearranged Ruskin's priorities. He grinded his teeth that he couldn't punish Bond immediately, but he ended up leaving with the furious Milverton who gave a vengeful look at Bond. Bond knew that he made a new enemy, but he didn't care. He turned back to Albert who just watched the scene in silence with the glass in his hand. Bond couldn't read what was in his mind, but his heart started to beat faster when his gaze met Albert's green eyes who quietly spoke.
"Thank you for your help." He said and he sat down at the finally free table. Bond didn't wait for the invitation, he settled down in front of him.
"That's what a knight would have done." He noted jokingly. Albert drank from his wine.
"So are you a knight..." He stopped for a moment, trying to recall Bond's name. Bond helped him out.
"Bond. James Bond." He bowed his head. "And yes, I can be a knight... for you." His tone quickly became flirtatious, but there was something else behind it this time aside from the fun. Anyone who saw them would have seen the same Bond as usual, but now, Bond took the flirting very seriously. He wanted to leave an impression on Albert. An impression he would never forget.
"That's an honour." Albert softly smiled. "I can't recall if I ever had a knight. At least, not before."
Bond bravely reached out to touch the other man's hand. Only for a second.
"Now you have. If you ever need my service again..." He playfully blinked at Albert, leaving the sentence unfinished.
"Soon, I surely will." Albert nodded. "Charles can be a menace if he doesn't get what he wants. He will definitely return with his dog - this time, to punish you."
"I am looking forward to it." Bond laughed. "I didn't have a chance for a good fight in a long time."
"You will have. Until then, can I offer a drink for my knight?" Albert looked at him curiously.
"I happily accept it." Bond answered and there was a genuine joy in his heart.